ATER is a professional teacher association with over 300 members since it was granted legal status on December 6, 2011.

Our mission is to “To advance teacher-driven professional development in English language teaching and learning for teachers of English in Rwanda”.

In 2009, the English language became the sole language used as a medium of instruction at all levels of education.

For decades Rwanda has been one of the Francophone countries in Africa where the language of instruction in education, business, power, and civilization was French. In 2009, the English language became the sole language used as a medium of instruction at all levels of education. This new move made most of the teachers at all levels face serious challenges to teach in English because their English proficiency was poor. ATER was born in 2009 to reinforce the teaching, learning, and use of English language in Rwanda, and it was granted legal status on December 6, 2011

Our mission is achieved through .....

01. Establishing Communities of Practice

Assistance in helping groups of teachers to establish communities of practice where teachers have space to share and learn from each other.

02. Organizing Workshops & Seminars

A wide range of workshops, seminars, and talks focusing on ELT and skills development.

03. Funding Projects & Research

Funding support through ELT projects, including research, so that deserving teachers can get involved and develop new skill sets as well as gain more experience.

04. Linking ELT in Rwanda & abroad

Links with ELT professionals both in Rwanda and abroad, especially through affiliation to international Teacher Association.

05. Sharing Opportunities

Regular sharing of scholarship information, job opportunities, conference and workshop opportunities, including access to study opportunities abroad for a few deserving teachers.

To date, ATER has been able to inspire thousands of English teachers in Rwanda

….. through communities of practice, annual conference, training and workshop sessions throughout the country. Many of these teachers are currently in advanced stages of playing a larger role in their own professional development. There is research evidence to suggest that teacher development has moved beyond simple in-service workshops and has expanded into a more robust system of continuing education.

In order to improve their English skills, become more effective in their teaching roles, as well as advance their careers, teachers should seek out professional development opportunities which are ongoing and aligned with their needs, student needs, and standards. ATER uses the approach of appreciative enquiry focusing utilizing available resources and local support to engage teachers in the process of owning the continuous education process. Last but not least, ATER is a “meeting point” where members discuss issues of interest, socialize, and expand opportunities not only for members but also English teachers in general.

Some of the areas of continuing education include, but not limited to:

Ways to encourage/Promote use/practice English targeting students, teachers, and school leadership.

Strategies/techniques to help teachers and students develop English skills for specific purposes.